Dual Straps Suspension Training System

ABSTRACT

A device for adjustably suspending a pair of gymnastic rings or handles is described. The device has a power spring to automatically retract a pair of straps attached to the rings onto a spool. There is a lock mechanism that holds the pair of straps and rings in place at a desired height. A release cord is attached to the lock mechanism to allow for the release of the lock mechanism from below. A strap retrieval cord may optionally be attached to a strap to allow retrieval of the pair of straps from below.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under 35 USC § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/205,353; Filed: Dec. 7, 2020; the full disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to exercise devices. The present invention relates more specifically to suspension devices and acrobatic apparatus where the user may hang freely by short handles, bars, or rings. The present invention relates more specifically dual ring suspension exercise devices that are adjustable in height.

2. Description of the Related Art

Some elements of the present invention are similar to components described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,537,763, issued Jan. 21, 2020, entitled Device for Suspending Rings for Gymnastic Exercises, the full disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The use of rings or handles hanging from a ceiling or elevated apparatus is common in exercise classes where the user is suspended from the rings or handles to perform pull-ups, muscle-ups or other body weight exercises. Other exercises also performed on the rings such as L-sits, where the user holds an acrobatic body position in which all the body weight rests on the hands with the torso held in a slightly forward leaning orientation, with legs held horizontally so that each leg forms a nominal right angle with the torso. The right angle causes the body to have a notable L shape to it.

For pull-ups the rings must be higher off the ground than for L-sits. Often the rings must be adjusted to certain common heights for different exercises during the same workout session. For example, eight feet for pull-ups and three feet for L-sits.

One method to adjust the rings to different heights involves ridged arms, where the straps are attached to the rings at one end and the rigid arms above. The structure is elevated and adjusted up and down as desired. Such a device is typically expensive and requires a higher ceiling for adjustment because the length of the suspension straps is not adjusted. They remain at fixed lengths while the rigid arms are raised up to elevate the rings. A different method, which is the most common method for mounting and adjusting rings and handles to the ceiling, uses a simple setup which is a strap looped over the ceiling rafter and through the ring. The height of the rings is adjusted using a cam buckle attached to one end of the strap and the loose end of the strap is clamped in the cam buckle to adjust for the desired length. There are two main problems with this method. The first being the extra strap is hanging in the way of the user and presents a hazard. The strap can become tangled on the user's foot and injure them when the user dismounts the rings. The typical method to counteract the problem of the extra strap is to take the time to neatly roll it up and tie it to the rafters or at least up and out of the way. This takes a good bit of time and must be done in between different exercises.

The second problem that occurs frequently with prior systems is that it is difficult to adjust each ring to the same height, unless one uses a measuring tape, or some other measuring device or method. This takes time and is difficult to do when one is exhausted but trying to keep their heart rate up by switching to the next exercise quickly.

It would be desirable to provide an inexpensive, simple system that can adjust the height of a pair of rings quickly and accurately. It would further be desirable if the system automatically collects and stores any extra strap out of the way of the user after adjustment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is primarily used in suspension training where the device will be attached to a ceiling or frame that keeps the device from moving and allows the user to hang on the device partially supported or fully supported by the device. The primary use of the device is physical training. The benefits of the device of the present invention include allowing the user to quickly adjust the height or length of the straps of the device by pushing a button or pulling on a lever to release a locking mechanism and then pulling downward on the straps. The straps are spring loaded and will retract into the device when the locking mechanism is released. The dual straps adjust at the same time as they are wound on the same spool. This makes the device of the present invention simpler than similar devices that may require separate strap control. The preferred embodiment that uses a cam lock mechanism that directly engages the straps makes the device stronger than similar systems.

In fulfillment of the above and other objectives, the present invention provides a device that supports rings that are suspended from an elevated structure. The device adjusts quickly, accurately, and automatically coils extra strap out of the way of the user. The frame of the device supports a cam buckle, a spinning spool that is spring loaded with a power spring to retract the dual straps.

The device is generally mounted about nine or ten feet above the exercise surface. Fully extended the rings attached to the end of the strap can be adjusted all the way to the ground to facilitate exercises near the ground such as ring supported pushups.

The spool spins about a shaft that is attached to the frame. A power spring is wound about the same common shaft. One end of the spring is attached to the spool and/or shaft while the other end is attached to the frame. When the straps are pulled out as far as they will go, the spring is at its minimum size and maximum tension. When the cam buckle is disengaged the spring retracts and rotates the spool winding up the straps. When the straps are fully wound up the spring is at its maximum diameter and minimum tension.

As oriented when hung for use, the features of the device from top to bottom are; a mounting hook, the spool assembly with the straps leading out and down through the lock mechanism (cam buckle) that is located below the spool on the frame. The ends of the straps are then attached to gymnastic rings or handles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a profile view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention shown with a number of optional control cords, the device shown in a generally retracted condition prior to being extended for use.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1 with the reel component of the present invention exposed for clarity, the device again shown in a generally retracted condition prior to being extended for use.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the reel components of the present invention showing the manner in which the dual straps are wound together on the reel and the rewind spring positioned next to and coaxial with the dual strap reel.

FIG. 4 is a detailed cutaway view of one preferred embodiment of the dual strap locking mechanism of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference is made first to FIG. 1 for a description of the basic components of the system of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a profile view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention shown with a number of control cords, the device shown in a generally retracted condition prior to being extended for use. Strap suspension device 10 is generally comprised of reel frame and enclosure 12 and power retraction spring and enclosure 14. Reel frame and enclosure 12 is coaxial with and supports power retraction spring and enclosure 14 having a common reel and spring axel 16. The manner in which these two components interact with each other is shown in more detail below in FIG. 3.

Reel frame and enclosure 12 is suspended from hook hanger 18 on hanger pivot 20. Hook hanger 18 may be structured as a wide curved plate or as a curved rod. Hanger 18 is used to hook over and hang from a ceiling joist, a pull up bar, or any other elevated horizontal structure to support the device of the present invention. The hanger is preferably secured to an immobile structure although in some situations it may be suspended from a free-swinging rope, chain, or other vertical line.

Reel frame and enclosure 12 is a generally circular structure with a lower extension that houses the locking mechanism of the device. In FIG. 1, lock mechanism lever 22 and lock mechanism pivot 24 can be seen. The internal structure of one embodiment of the locking mechanism of the present invention is shown in detail below in FIG. 4. Extending from this lower portion of reel frame and enclosure 12 are first strap 26 a and second strap 26 b. Although these straps 26 a & 26 b are reeled onto the single retraction reel together, they are not otherwise attached to each other along their entire length. This allows the two handles 28 a & 28 b to be drawn apart as far as may be required for use. The only limitation on the separation of the two handles 28 a & 28 b, and the two straps 26 a & 26 b, is the length or distance they are extended from the device 10.

The locking mechanism of the present invention is designed to restrict movement (up or down) when the lock mechanism is engaged. When in use (i.e., when a downward force is exerted on the straps 26 a & 26 b) the cam structure of the locking mechanism prevents further extraction of the straps from the device. When not in use (i.e., when there is only the moderate upward force of the retraction spring on the straps) the residual pressure within the closed locking mechanism is sufficient to resist the retraction force of the retraction spring until the user releases the lock mechanism. These structures and functions are described in more detail below.

The user controls the lock mechanism by pulling on release cord pull 32 at the lower end of lock mechanism release cord 30. The upper end of release cord 30 is attached to the end of lock mechanism lever 22 and serves to rotate lever 22 around lock mechanism pivot 24 to remove pressure on the straps 26 a & 26 b. Again, this functionality is described in detail below in FIG. 4.

The user of the device of the present invention may begin by releasing the lock mechanism as described above, and then simply grasping the handles 28 a & 28 b to pull them down to the desired height. The lock mechanism is then released (set in place) which prevents further extraction of the straps from the device. Optionally, there may be a strap pull cord 39 positioned on one of the straps 26 a (in this example) that the user may use to pull the handles and straps down within reach in the event they are initially positioned out of reach. Other means for retrieving the handles (or rings) are envisioned such as having a pole with a hook on the end to retrieve the handles or rings.

Reference is next made to FIG. 2 for a description of the same device of the present invention arranged with rings instead of the handles shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a side view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1, with the reel component exposed for clarity, the device again shown in a generally retracted condition prior to being extended for use. Strap suspension device 10 is again shown to be comprised of reel frame and enclosure 12 and power retraction spring and enclosure 14. In the view of FIG. 2 it can be seen how reel frame and enclosure 12 is coaxial and connected with power retraction spring and enclosure 14, again having a common axel 16.

Reel frame and enclosure 12 is pivotally attached on hanger pivot 20 to hook hanger 18. In the example shown in FIG. 2, hook hanger 18 is structured as a wide curved plate suitable to be hooked over and hung from a pull up bar or the like. Once again, the hanger is preferably secured to an immobile structure although in some situations it may be suspended from a free-swinging bar or other horizontal rod or pipe.

Reel frame and enclosure 12 is a generally circular structure with a lower extension that houses the locking mechanism of the device. FIG. 2 shows the internal components of reel frame and enclosure 12 rotatably positioned between parallel back and front plates that support reel and spring axel 16. In FIG. 2, lock mechanism lever 22 and lock mechanism pivot 24 can be more clearly seen as well as the manner in which the lock mechanism contacts straps 36 a & 36 b. Once again, the internal structure of one embodiment of the locking mechanism of the present invention is shown in greater detail below in FIG. 4. Reel and spring axel 16 extends from one wall of the enclosure 12, through strap reel spool 17, through the second wall of enclosure 12, through retraction spring 19, and finally through the outer wall of spring enclosure 14. Axel 16 rotates freely through each enclosure wall (preferably with one or more bearings or slip rings) and is rotationally fixed to the center of strap reel spool 17 and retraction spring 19 to connect the two and to function in the manner shown in FIG. 3.

Extending from the lower portion of reel frame and enclosure 12 are first strap 36 a and second strap 36 b. These straps 36 a & 36 b are distinct from those shown in FIG. 1 only to the extent they terminate with rings 38 a & 38 b instead of handles. Once again, the user controls the lock mechanism by pulling on release cord pull 32 at the lower end of lock mechanism release cord 30. The upper end of release cord 30 is attached to the end of lock mechanism lever 22 and serves to rotate lever 22 around lock mechanism pivot 24 to remove pressure on the straps 36 a & 36 b. This functionality is described in greater detail below in connection with FIG. 4. Optionally, there may be a strap pull cord 39 positioned on one of the straps 36 a (in this example) that the user may use to pull the rings and straps down within reach in the event they are initially positioned out of reach.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the reel components of the present invention showing the manner in which the dual straps are wound together on the reel and the rewind spring positioned next to and coaxial with the dual strap reel. In this schematic profile view the strap reel is shown apart from the retraction spring to show the manner in which extraction of the straps 26 a & 26 b from the reel (rotation direction “A”) rotates the reel and spring axel 16 to tighten (rotation direction “B”) the retraction spring 19. As long as the lock mechanism is set, the straps remain extracted (unwound) from the reel spool. When the lock mechanism is released by the user, the retraction spring rotates the reel spool in the opposite direction thereby reeling up the dual straps back into the enclosure.

FIG. 4 is a detailed cutaway view of one preferred embodiment of the dual strap locking mechanism of the present invention. In this view, the lower portion of reel frame and enclosure 12 is shown to define a channel through which the dual straps pass together. Once out from enclosure 12, straps 26 a & 26 b may separate as shown. Straps 26 a & 26 b are loosely held between a fixed block and cam lock pressure block 23 as they exit enclosure 12. Cam lock pressure block 23 is positioned to channel the straps out of the enclosure and to oppose the force of cam lock 23 that is movably positioned on the opposite side of straps 26 a & 26 b. In the lock mechanism example shown in FIG. 4, a cam lock 23 pivots around lock mechanism pivot 24 as moved by the movement of lock mechanism lever 22 when the user pulls on lock mechanism release cord 30.

It should be noted that the lock mechanism shown in FIG. 4 is but one example of the manner in which the straps on the reel spool may be immobilized or released. Other mechanisms, controlled by the user with the lock mechanism release cord 30, may be fixed within the reel frame and enclosure 12 to achieve the same manner of control. Mechanisms that act to contact the reel spool (for example), as opposed to directly on the straps, could be set or released by the user with the lock mechanism release cord 30. Any mechanism connected to the pull cord on one end, and preferenced (as by a spring or weight) to move in the opposite direction when no downward pull on the cord is made, can interact with the straps, the reel, or even the axel, to alternately lock or free the straps to raise or lower.

Although the present invention has been described in conjunction with a number of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize modifications to these embodiments that still fall within the scope of the present invention. Various lock mechanisms are anticipated as are various means for releasing the lock mechanism. Various sizes and types of straps are anticipated as are different types of handles and rings. Depending on the structure of the lock mechanism being used, various surfaces that define the channel for the straps to exit the device enclosure will preferably have higher friction properties to facilitate securing the straps. The straps may have an overall length of a few feet to as much as twenty feet. The size of the device enclosure is, of course, partly defined by the thickness of the straps and their length (which together define the diameter of the reel). The retraction spring should be sufficiently strong to fully retract the straps after full extension, but not so strong as to overcome the frictional set force when the lock mechanism is set.

One advantage of structuring the lock mechanism to act directly on the straps is the increase in holding force with the increase in weight placed on the handles or rings. The upward pull of the retraction spring is generally sufficient to assist with the release of the straps from the locked condition once the lock mechanism is released by the user. Lock mechanisms that act on the reel and/or the axel may likewise incorporate structures whereby the retraction spring force assists with the release of the lock mechanism when the release cord is pulled. Such lock mechanisms associated with the reel and/or axel may include sprocket elements with a tooth that engages the sprocket to stop it and the connected reel/axel from spinning. Such a device could also include a flat disc fixed with the reel/axel with holes around the perimeter and a moveable shaft attached to a button that engages the disc to stop the motion. None of these modifications or variations in structure are seen to depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 

I claim:
 1. A system for vertically suspending two hand grasped devices from an elevated structure and allowing for variations in a common height of the two hand grasped devices, the two hand grasped devices including exercise rings, the system comprising: a device frame having an upper end defining a point of attachment for fixed suspension from the elevated structure; a spool having a rotation axle, the spool axially supported on the device frame at a position between the upper end and the lower end of the device frame; a coil power spring fixed to the device frame, the coil power spring axially coupled to the spool; a pair of straps wound onto the spool, the pair of straps extending from the spool towards the lower end of the device frame and extending from the frame to points of attachment on the two hand grasped devices; and a lock mechanism supported by and positioned on a portion of the device frame, the lock mechanism alternately fixing and releasing the pair of straps to be wound on the spool or unwound from the spool; wherein release of the lock mechanism allows the pair of straps to be drawn out from the spool or alternately retracted back onto the spool, wherein setting the lock mechanism prevents the pair of straps from movement therethrough in at least a downward direction, and wherein the coil power spring serves to preference the retraction of the straps back onto the spool after being drawn out from the spool when the lock mechanism is released.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein the lock mechanism comprises a pivoting cam device that contacts the pair of straps.
 3. The system of claim 1 further comprising a lock mechanism pull cord attached at an upper end to the lock mechanism and lose at a lower end to be grasped and pulled by the user to release the lock mechanism.
 4. The system of claim 3 wherein the lock mechanism is preferenced to return to a set condition when a downward force on the pull cord is relieved.
 5. The system of claim 1 wherein the lock mechanism acts by making direct frictional contact with the pair of straps.
 6. The system of claim 1 wherein the lock mechanism acts by making direct contact with the spool to interrupt free rotation of the spool.
 7. The system of claim 1 wherein the lock mechanism acts by making direct contact with the rotation axel to interrupt free rotation of the axel.
 8. The system of claim 1 wherein the coil power spring is coaxial with the spool and is positioned adjacent to the spool on the device frame. 